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Ferguson Insists Real Madrid Is Not Getting Ronaldo
At least outwardly, Sir Alex is convinced that his Portuguese golden boy has the strength of character to resist his Spanish seducers.
Apr 9, 2009 11:37:11 PM
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has praised Cristiano Ronaldo's character in the face of the never-ending barrage of rumours tipping him for a record-smashing switch to Real Madrid.
The recently crowned Fifa World Player of the Year has long been linked with a move to Spain and Real but, amidst reports that he has already signed a pre-contract, is actively learning Spanish and has already found a house in Madrid. Ronaldo has distanced himself from such conjecture, adding that he sees himself at Manchester for many years to come.
"I think that he's had temptations and I think there have been periods when you've seen the effect of it (on the pitch)," Ferguson said in a recent interview with CNN.
"He's lucky in the sense that people here can tell him the truth and be straight with him and he appreciates that, and he has responded to that.
"If it stays with him and changes him as a person then you have a problem."
The Old Trafford supremo went on to admit that Ronaldo does overstep the line sometimes, suggesting that the Portuguese has a tendency to fan the flames, but then stressed: "Fortunately, Ronaldo has good human qualities. He's a good guy.
"He knows when he's gone too far and he draws back in after that."
Derek Wanner, Goal.com
The recently crowned Fifa World Player of the Year has long been linked with a move to Spain and Real but, amidst reports that he has already signed a pre-contract, is actively learning Spanish and has already found a house in Madrid. Ronaldo has distanced himself from such conjecture, adding that he sees himself at Manchester for many years to come.
"I think that he's had temptations and I think there have been periods when you've seen the effect of it (on the pitch)," Ferguson said in a recent interview with CNN.
"He's lucky in the sense that people here can tell him the truth and be straight with him and he appreciates that, and he has responded to that.
"If it stays with him and changes him as a person then you have a problem."
The Old Trafford supremo went on to admit that Ronaldo does overstep the line sometimes, suggesting that the Portuguese has a tendency to fan the flames, but then stressed: "Fortunately, Ronaldo has good human qualities. He's a good guy.
"He knows when he's gone too far and he draws back in after that."
Derek Wanner, Goal.com
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